Audiences were first introduced to "Phyllis Summers" in 1994 when she arrived in Genoa City. It wouldn't take "Phyllis" long to start stirring up the drama, always scheming to get her way- conning a rock star into fathering a son that isn't his and blackmailing her therapist-to name a few. 

"Phyllis Summers", who was originally only supposed to be a short term character, has become a permanent character for the entirety of the series! The decision to keep "Phyllis" on the show was due in large part to the talent of the first actress to play her, Michelle Stafford!

Michelle Stafford as "Phyllis Summers"

Michelle Stafford is the actress credited for playing "Phyllis Summers" the longest. After her impressive work in her first few episodes of the series, producers cast Michelle to play "Phyllis" permanently. 

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Michelle would play the role from 1994-1997, briefly leaving the show to pursue other opportunities including soap opera Pacific Palisades and thriller Double Jeopardy before returning in 2000. In addition to playing "Phyllis", Michelle would also take on the role of "Shelia Carter" for six years before once again exiting the show in 2013. 

Sandra Nelson and Gina Tognoni as "Phyllis Summers"

During Michelle Stafford's first hiatus from The Young and the Restless, American actress Sandra Nelson, known best for The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), would take on the role of "Phyllis Summers". While Sandra Nelson would only take on the role for three years, she made quite the impact, and it was almost hard to tell the two "Phyllis's" apart! 

After Michelle Stafford departed the soap opera a second time, actress Gina Tognoni would pick up the part. Gina was perfect for the part, already having an impressive soapie background including time spent on popular soap operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light

Michelle Stafford's Return

Gina Tognoni would play "Phyllis Summers" until 2019, when it was announced Michelle Stafford would be returning to The Young and the Restless for a third time! After time spent on General Hospital, Michelle found she missed her part of "Phyllis Summers".

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With news that the already long-running soapie will be renewed for four more seasons, who knows what could happen to the part of "Phyllis Summers". While all equally qualified and talented, who has been your favorite actress to play the part?